Online Critique Groups for Writers and Illustrators

Have you ever wanted to get in touch with other writers or illustrators with similar interests, goals and challenges? Do you want to share your work and learn from others?

Exciting news! If you are a SCBWI Member you need look no further.

Members interested in becoming active participants of anOnline Critique Group can now register their interest and be linkedto a like-minded group through SCBWI’s (Australia East & NZ)Online Critique Committee.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an On-line Critique Group?

It is a small group of writers and/or illustrators who view and make comments on member’s manuscripts/illustrations on a rotation basis in a confidential and supportive online environment. Members can share useful ideas and resources, and encourage each other towards the eventual goal of getting their work published. The rotation frequency can be varied according to the needs of each group.

What is expected of members?

Members are expected to be active participants in their group before registering to join. They should be open to receiving constructive criticism of their own work and provide constructive feedback to one member on a regular basis. (see ‘How to Critique’ Guidelines or download pdf)

What kind of groups can members join?

There are seven types of groups:

Picture Book (Writers and Illustrators combined)

Picture Book (Illustrators only)

Picture Book (Writers only)

Junior Fiction

Young Adult

Non-fiction

Illustrators

How many members are there in a group?

There are usually a maximum of six members in each group which allows each participant to have their work critiqued every six weeks on a weekly rotation. The rotation frequency can be varied fortnightly/monthly etc according to the needs of each group.

Who runs the Group?

The members run each group according to the Guidelines (see Critique Group Guidelines or download pdf). All members are equal. Each group will include one member who has indicated on the form below that they are happy to help with the initial set up of the group. This member will be asked by the Online Critique Group Coordinator to act as the Group Facilitator by setting up a Shared Dropbox Folder for group communication. The Group Facilitator will be the contact person between the group and the Online Critique Groups Coordinator.

How Does an Online Critique Group Work?

Each group will work out a submission schedule according to the needs of the group. For example, each member of the group, in a six week rotation, will be allocated a week to submit work to be critiqued. That person posts their work online on the Sunday of that week and receives feedback from all the other members by the following Sunday. Once members receive all feedback they delete that version of their work from the site. The rotation frequency can be varied fortnightly/monthly etc according to the needs of each group. (see ‘How to Critique’ Guidelines or download pdf)

How do members communicate?

Once a group is formed a Shared Dropbox Folder is set up by the Group Facilitator so only members of that group have access. Members take turns in posting their manuscript or illustrative work each week or fortnight etc and remove the file after they receive feedback from all other members (see Dropbox Information).

When the Group Facilitator has set up the Shared Dropbox Folder you will receive an email with a link asking you to join it.

The waiting time to join a group will vary according to the number of members interested in joining a group at any one time.

SCBWI members who would like to be in the same group can make that request when registering.

What happens after you submit?

You will be placed into a critique group as a place becomes available. That can take a fortnight, a few weeks or in some cases, a couple of months or more. If placement hasn't been made in about a month you will receive an update email from our critique coordinator regarding your application with some alternative suggestions that might interest you.

When we have found a suitable group for you, we will send you an email introducing your group facilitator and explaining how you join the Shared Dropbox Folder for your critique group.

To Join an Online Critique Group, fill out the form below

Name *

Name

First Name

Last Name

Email Address *

This email address will be shared with the other members of your critique group.

Short Biography *

Submit a short (approximately 50-100 word) bio which will be sent to the other members of your critique group. Feel free to include your website.

Genre for Critique Group *

Select the Genre of the Critique Group you would like to join. If you would like to join critique groups for more than one genre, submit a separate form for each selection.

Publishing Experience *

We would like each group to have a mixture of experience. With this in mind, please select the options below that best describe you.

Level of Experience *

Each group requires one member to set up the Shared Dropbox Folder for the group. Would you be willing to help in the initial set up? *

Yes

No

I am a SCBWI Member *

Yes

Other Questions or Special Requests

Thank You for submitting your application to join a SCBWI On-line Critique Group!

You will be placed into a critique group as a place becomes available. That can take a fortnight, a few weeks or in some cases, a couple of months or more.

If placement hasn't been made in about a month you will receive an update email from our critique coordinator regarding your application with some alternative suggestions that might interest you.

When we have found a suitable group for you, we will send you an email introducing your group facilitator and explaining how you join the Shared Dropbox Folder for your critique group.